The nurse receives an order to give 1 mg of dexamethasone at 2300. At 0800 the next morning, plasma cortisol levels are drawn and reveal higher than normal levels. The patient asks the nurse what the lab results indicate
The nurse would be correct to tell the patient that the overnight dexamethasone suppression test is used to diagnose
a. adrenal crisis.
b. secondary adrenal insufficiency.
c. primary adrenal insufficiency.
d. Cushing's syndrome.
ANS: D
The overnight dexamethasone suppression test is used to diagnose Cushing's syndrome.
The test is not used to diagnose adrenal crisis or primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency.
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a. Administer prescribed diuretics. b. Ensure that the patient is on fluid restriction. c. Help the patient into bed with side rails up. d. Administer an antianxiety medication.
When using restraints in a long-term-care setting, what ethical dilemma does this pose?
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One of the best indicators of pain in a child is:
1. A change in the baseline vital signs. 2. Parents' input. 3. Restlessness. 4. All of the above can be seen in children with pain.
The nurse is taking a health history for a 9-year-old girl. Which finding would alert the nurse to a possible risk factor specifically associated with visual impairment?
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